Super User
Monday, 30 April 2018 15:22
May 2018 Superintendency Message
A message from Superintendent Jeff Stephens:
Celebrations!
Nearly 15 years ago, former Weber School District teacher and current school board member, Mitzi Kawaguchi, gave me a children’s book entitled, I’m In Charge of Celebrations, by Byrd Baylor. Byrd’s book captures unique experiences that produced private celebrations. I love the book! These quiet, personal celebrations are simple, yet profound. This spring, I have enjoyed similar notable celebrations while visiting classrooms. For instance, Mrs. Salcido invited me to meet with the entire 6th grade at Burch Creek Elementary School and talk about leadership. I was captivated by these exceptional young people! We discussed powerful leadership lessons as taught by great men and women in our nation’s past and the students shared their insights while making modern-day connections. I celebrated inside as these marvelous 6th grade students demonstrated their tremendous potential to lead in our world—a vital need.
Mr. Fendrick asked if I would spend 90 minutes in his A.P. Literature class at Weber Innovation High School and teach a poetry lesson. Using a strategy known as “Expanded Reading,” we delved deeply into Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s “Ulysses.” Although written nearly 200 years ago, these impressive students not only discovered relevant insights but were inspired by Tennyson’s thirst for adventure – “I cannot rest from travel: I will drink life to the lees.” I stood in awe and silently celebrated as they revealed their dreams and contemplated the contribution each wished to make in their future. Tennyson captured these extraordinary students perfectly—“How dull it is to pause, to make an end; To rust unburnish’d, not to shine in use! As tho’ to breathe were life!”
A visit to H. Guy Child to celebrate 5-year-old Enashele Campbell’s winning submission for the National PTA Reflections theme of “Look Within,” will never be forgotten. Enashele’s submission was selected above every other one in the country and will become the 2019-20 theme for the entire United States! Enashele received a cash award and will be recognized at the upcoming National PTA Convention.
Mr. Hadley invited me to speak with the Bonneville faculty as they celebrated their school year, as well as their annual theme, “Be Someone’s Miracle.” The teachers’ focus has been on establishing meaningful relationships with students in ways that would inspire them to achieve their dreams and ambitions. I sat with these outstanding teachers as they shared story after story of young people who had fought through personal adversity with the reassurance of a trusted teacher at their side. No doubt, lives were changed in ways that reach far beyond grades or test scores. I was so appreciative of each teacher and celebrated their influence on students’ lives.
I celebrate with Mrs. Olson from West Haven Elementary who sent a personalized, encouraging note to every student prior to SAGE testing. The note communicated to each child that while the SAGE tests will measure something about the child, it could not measure everything. Lovingly, Mrs. Olson wrote, “The people who create and score these tests do not know each of you the way I do.” Then, she described what makes each child unique. One mother wrote to me, “It brought tears to my eyes. She goes above and beyond to make sure her students know how amazing they are. I can’t put into words how much I appreciate her dedication and love for her students.”
These celebrations just skim the surface. I know that every member of our Weber School District family has enjoyed similar celebrations. I invite you to quietly reflect on these singular experiences and know of the powerful influence for good that you are in the lives of children. For that, and on behalf of the board of education, I acknowledge and celebrate each of you!
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Monday, 30 April 2018 00:45
Melissa Judkins Apparel Design Students At Wahlquist, used leftover patterns and fabric to create these awesome hoodies!
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Monday, 30 April 2018 07:40
Melissa Judkins Apparell Design Students At Wahlquist, used leftover patterns and their knowledge of appropriate textiles. Each student has purchased fabric, adjusted the pattern to fit their body measurements and they created these awesome hoodies!
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Monday, 30 April 2018 07:38
Weber School District Educators, pose for a picture with Lonnie Johnson, who is a former NASA engineer and inventor of the massively popular Super Soaker water gun at the the ITEEA conference.
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Monday, 30 April 2018 07:35
National FFA Western Region Vice President Bryce Cluff tours the Beehive State for National FFA Week.
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Friday, 27 April 2018 06:06
Great start to the day as Midland 5th grade receives grant from CenturyLink to purchase new Chromebooks
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Tuesday, 24 April 2018 00:55
Midland’s 5th graders crowd the halls for their 4th annual Wax Museum
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Friday, 13 April 2018 05:45
NFL Linebacker, Zach Vigil visits Lakeview Elementary's 6th grade!
Zach Vigil, NFL Defensive Inside Linebacker #56 for the Washington Redskins, visited Lakeview Elementary's 6th grade! He talked about goals, life and commitment. Zach is a Utah native. While playing at Utah State University. he received many awards including the All American Award. He also set numerous records. The students listened intently to what he had to say and then asked questions, took pictures and got autographs.
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Friday, 30 March 2018 03:34
Midland 5th grade traditional Easter Bonnets!
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Sunday, 01 April 2018 00:33
April 2018 Superintendency Message
A message from Assistant Superintendent Jane Ann Kammeyer:
It always amazes me how all of a sudden it is the last quarter of school. As this school year end quickly comes upon us, I wanted to take a minute to thank the many wonderful parents, tea
chers, principals and support staff that touch the lives of children every day. We live in a wonderful community of caring people and our children are precious to us. I love the saying that hangs on the wall of my office, it says, "Children are always the only future the human race has; teach them well."
We know that parents are the first teachers in a child’s life and that continues throughout a lifetime. I have always appreciated the partnership we are fortunate to have with parents in the process of educating their children.
Teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff you have a profound impact on students every day. Albert Einstein said, "It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." Thank you for making each day a treasure for your students as you "awaken the joy" of discovery and learning.
Over the last 34 years, I have held many titles teacher, principal, director, and assistant superintendent. When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them I am an educator. It has been a privilege to associate over the years with so many wonderful educators and be in the business of educating children. In the world of education there are truly amazing caring people. I want to thank you again for what you do for students every day and I know that you will continue to "teach them well."
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